The Book of Revelation gives us a glimpse into the future of what it will be like for those that died for their faith and those that came out of the great tribulation. To begin with, we learn of those that were persecuted because of their faith and lost their lives because of it. As we know, many people have died over the centuries because of their faith in Christ, but it was never in vain, for their cause was valiant in the sight of God. So in this prophesy, we get a glimpse of how these people were still feeling at the time of their death, while having been slain by evil people. It must have been very hard on them for sure, to still be feeling how they did and saying what they said to the Lord. As the fifth seal is opened, John records, 1“I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” In this timeframe, many people has passed on from death and into life with the Lord God in heaven. The moment that they got there, there was still tears in their eyes because of what happened to them, but this would only be for a short time. After the remainder of those that were slain and were met with them in paradise, all their tears would be wiped away. Among those people would be those that were washed clean by the blood of Jesus.
John continues and records, 2“I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” What a wonderful vision this must have been to see so many people in every direction, of which are from all nations and also clothed in white robes. This would be an amazing sight to see. Now seeing what they said, you could tell that they were so grateful because they were saved. To make it even more clear, an elder, who was before the throne of God, told John, 2“these are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” So after waiting, the remainder of those that died because of their faith were joined with them in their white robes. The rest of the people were those that came out of the tribulation and were also given white robes. To every person that has been saved will now partake of the living waters and God shall wipe away there tears. Life may be difficult, but it is always worth it in the end when our cause is for Christ the Lord.
Let us pray:
Lord, I am so grateful to know You now and to be lifted up from the pains and sorrows of this world. Temptation has surely taken me down a dark path, but because of Your compassion for me, I have been rescued and found forgiven through Your blood. Thank You for Lord for showing mercy for me and washing me clean, even after all I have done. I know that I have done some terrible things in Your sight, but still You never lost hope in me the my future. Your love never failed me, even though my heart was far from You. Now, just thinking of that life and the life I have now, I feel so blessed. I could never be so grateful, just to be with You and have Your presence in my life. I am at peace and have hope, just knowing You are there by my side. There is so much freedom to know that I am following in Your ways and doing what is right. This is where real joy feels like and I want more and more of You. I have surely had enough of the lies that this world offers. The sins that come from our lusts are not worth it. I would surely rather have Your love that never ends with me, then to be a part of something that ends in death. So for this reason Lord, I am willing to do all things by Your hand. Lead me and I will go. Whatever you would have me do, I will do it, even if my own death is on the line. It is better to be persecuted and slain for my faith, then to die, having denied You and losing my salvation. And how could I ever give up on You Lord. You are the author of eternal life and the greatest joy imaginable. There is no place I would rather go then to be with You. You are my joy and my greatest love. I love You Lord. In thy holy Name, Jesus. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Revelation 6:9-11 (KJV)
9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
2Revelation 7:9-17 (KJV)
9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
